Col. Bedford John (B.J.) Silvey, age 78, of Ashburn, died from heart failure on Jan. 19, 2019.
B.J. grew up in Indiana, Pa. and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation he was commissioned into the Army, the beginning of a 31-year career, from which he retired as a colonel. He also worked for a series of defense contractors and later worked for 17 years for the Naval Sea Systems Command of the Dept. of the Navy. During that time he earned a MA at the University of Maryland and graduated from the Army War College.
An Eagle Scout, B.J. was active in the Boy Scouts for nearly 70 years. He was active in the Reston community including serving on the boards of Cornerstones and the W&OD Trail. He and his wife received a Best of Reston award from Cornerstones and a “Lord and Lady Fairfax” award from Fairfax County for their volunteerism. BJ loved biking and took many international trips with fellow biking friends.
BJ was preceded in death by his parents, Clel and Bernice Silvey, his first wife Judy, and son Curtis Andrew (Curt). He is survived by his wife Marilyn of Ashburn, son Bedford John (Jay) Silvey Jr. and wife Betsy of Richmond, Va.; Barbara Bracy and wife Cecilia of Kensington, Md.; Jennifer Bracy and wife Jen of Portland, Ore.; and grandson Curtis Andrew (Drew) Silvey and partner Morgan Warren of Midlothian, Va.
In 2012, BJ had surgery for a pinched nerve and in the process became paralyzed, but he worked hard and recovered to walk again and drive a car. In 2015, he fell and sustained a spinal cord injury which left him a quadriplegic. His positive attitude and zest for living impressed many.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. at the United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Cornerstones, or the United Christian Parish of Reston.